I'm Renee: c section

Reality sets in

08:57

I've been quiet here as we've been busy finding our way ... Ok no, I've just been busy getting out and about to the park, the shops and all sorts of fun places while S has been off work.

But reality set in today as S went back to work and I was on my own with two boys and a heavy schedule for the day yesterday. Ok, 'on my own' is a little exaggerated as our first outing was Rhyme Time with my mum and 2 nieces ... But I still had to get the 3 of us out the door and there. And let me tell you, the night before was like something out of a horror story with 3 hysterical wakes from the toddler before 11pm and a baby who decide to have a 2h marathon feed at 10pm. We all ended up in the master bed with sleep coming around midnight and the little one getting him and I back up at 3am. Thankfully it was only a quick feed and we were back in bed at 3:30 and everyone slept till 6:30.

So with much less sleep than I hoped and expecting the worst, we started our day early so I could at least get a shower before S went to work. I then made short work of dressing both boys and popping them in the car - laying out clothes the night before and having the baby bag always packed definitely help. Rhyme time was worth the effort to get out with E loving the chance to sing and dance with his cousins and friends and me slowly building confidence in a 'safe' environment'. I had a great time catching up with my nieces and all our friends who come along and E wore himself out dancing and running around much to my delight. After rhyme time, we headed home to meet a girlfriend of mine and her son at our place for morning tea and a play. Our boys had fun destroying the playroom while we got to catch up and then it was time to put E down for a nap. C cooperated and dozed in the swing so I could get E down and then I had a relaxing hour to eat lunch, bring some washing in, hang some washing out and clean the playroom - a mother's work is never done.

E napped for an hour and twenty, which is sadly considered a decent nap in our house, went on to refuse his lunch (like every other meal offered lately) and I dropped him for a play with his cousins at my mums and set out to do our grocery shop with C in the sling.

C was pretty cooperative and as usual, sleepy, at the supermarket but perked up midway and wanted to feed. So rather than abandon my trolley (which I did several times back in the early days with E), I just positioned the sling and fed C as I continued with my shop. Win win for us both. I capped off what was a pretty great day with State of Origin (and a blues win!) at my parents' house with family and friends.

As I told S, I'm well aware there will be tricky days ahead but for the most part I'm pretty confident my boys and I are going to have a lot of fun while I am home with them.

And in other exciting happenings, I have a lunch date booked with my sister for today, as mums and bubs movie on Friday while E is at kindy followed by a haircut!

In the biggest news of the year (for me anyway other than Charlie's birth), I saw last week The Eagles were returning to Australia! I adore The Eagles as does my dad and we went to their last concerts (and loved every second) so needless to say, we were more than a little excited for this tour and especially when my mum discovered an Anex presale. Happily our tix are secured for next March!

I've also jumped on the bandwagon with wrap tops. I keep seeing them everywhere and really like the draping and style. Not sure how practical it is for my SAHM wardrobe but I'll give it a try and figure the print will work well with jeans at least. I am especially loving the black and white striped version Country Road has out just now but I think I'd get more wear from that in my corporate wardrobe which has been retired till next year at least.

2 under 2

Charlie's birth story

22:16

Ethan's birth came about unexpectedly with a surprise induction after an OB checkup that morning due to the onset of pre eclampsia. Despite its surprise, S and I were both ready and confident for a natural birth experience thanks to our Calmbirth classes. If anything, we were excited. Fast forward 24 hours later and we had the drug free natural experience we were after but left a little shell shocked after a few complications occurred in the later stages.

It was those complications that led me to having a scheduled c section with Charlie. I was a much higher risk this time after a serious tear and haemorrhage with a strong likelihood of ending up in emergency surgery so rather than risk the unknown and with E to consider, we took the professionals' advice.

It was an odd feeling this time around, knowing the exact date our baby was going to be delivered. Certainly helpful with a toddler to organise and family to notify but a little surreal too. I of course barely slept a wink the night before, had my bags by the door and was up at 5am harassing S to get organised so we could head to the hospital. I was eager to meet our new addition!

We checked into the hospital... It was very civilised and quite hotel like, ran through the details of the surgery with the midwives and changed into our gowns and robes. Then the wait began. I was scheduled for 8:30am but due to 2 emergencies, I was shuffled and wasn't taken to theatre till 12:30pm.

We were led to a small room off theatre where the anesthetist spoke to us about what they would do and what we could expect. Next thing I know, I was taken into a well lit room filled with people (a little like Grand Central Station) and while all were lovely and greeted me, I felt a little shaky and how I imagined Alice felt falling down the rabbit hole. I chose to concentrate firmly on the crib and baby station knowing that soon my baby would be here being measured and weighed.

The anesthetic nurse spoke to me and had me position myself on a strange contraption that allowed me to hunch forward while the anaesthetist busied himself finding a spot in my back to insert the local and spinal block. It took a little longer than expected as they had a hard time getting it between my vertebrae but it wasn't painful, certainly nothing like I expected and then the heavy warmth kicked in.

Next thing I know, S is by my side and a screen has been erected in front of me. My legs were numb and heavy and they used some ice cubes to test where the numbness kicked in on my skin. The anaesthetist warned me I was likely to feel a little sick and sure enough, my blood pressure plummeted, I went ghost white and they had a bucket by my head but thankfully I didn't blow my cookies and the drug they had to counteract the nausea kicked in quick.

The OB and anethetists were lovely at keeping conversation flowing and us comfortable, warning me when I was likely to feel sick and the sensations I was likely to experience. One of them said it would feel like someone was doing the washing up in my stomach ... Lots of pulling and tugging but no pain. He was spot on, that's exactly how it felt. Next thing they warned me I would feel some breathlessness but then my baby would be here and it instantly felt like I had been winded then I looked up, and there was my baby.

Everyone in the theatre knew we didn't know the sex so remained quiet and allowed as to call it. With tears in his eyes he looked at me and said 'it's a boy' 'we have another son' and gave me a big kiss. I was shaking and just wanted to see him. They had to take him to be wiped, suctioned etc and then they placed him on my chest and he just looked up at me with these big wide eyes exactly like his brother and I was completely in love. I also could not get over that he looked exactly like Ethan ... Truly his twin but exactly 1 pound heavier.

While they stitched me up (at least that's what they told me they were doing), S and I marvelled over our perfect little boy and cuddled him close. I tried to help him latch for his first feed but he was so wide eyed and crazily rooting around, he just wouldn't latch so we cuddled instead. By the time the surgeon was done and I was being wheeled to recovery, I started to get sensation and strength/control back in my legs. After a couple of minutes in recovery, I could even clumsily jerk my legs upwards much to the midwives' shock. My vital signs were all good and we managed to get Charlie latched for his first feed so I was wheeled up to our room.

I had heard the maternity rooms at the new Gold Coast University Hospital were lovely but nothing prepared me for how well equipped and appointed they were. Spacious with private bath, sofa and even built in baby bath and change station. Add all the mod cons including a TV, phone and bar fridge and the room was more luxurious than the local private hospital's maternity.

My mother joined us in my room and S left to go pick up our biggest boy to come meet his baby brother. We had family visit for the afternoon and it got a bit crazy and crowded for awhile with overlapping guests but the best part was when E arrived and we got to introduce him to Charlie. We had gifts from baby all set for E but turns out we didn't need them, they were just a nice surprise for E. He was instantly smitten and cooed softly and quietly to Charlie, stroking his hand gently and giving him soft kisses. There is nothing quite like seeing your baby become a big brother and it made me love E even more for the beautiful nature he has.

Things started to get a little tough as the early evening started with the spinal wearing off completely and my seeming immunity to the pain medication I was given. After my pain score reached a 12 out of 10 and I was in tears with gritted teeth, the anaesthetist came to see me and offered me two plans of action. One involved a pump which I declined and the other was a stronger course of meds I had already been given. Eventually the meds kicked in at the higher dose and I was able to rest comfortably. Charlie meanwhile slept unless woken for feeds so after a good night's sleep, I pounced on the morning MW to remove my catheter ASAP so I could get moving and showered. They told me to take it easy and wait for my next round of meds but I knew the best thing I could do was get up and active.

After a shower, I felt amazing although a little woozy on my feet and I was very nauseous. The nausea continued the entire day and I wasn't able to keep down even a sip of water so back the doctors came and I was prescribed anti-nausea drugs and fluids to get it under control. The afternoon MW ended up suggesting the cause was one of the meds they had me on for pain and sure enough, as soon as they stopped that, the nausea ceased. From then on in, my hospital stay was holiday-like with the MWs absolutely lovely (possibly because I didn't actually need them for anything), Charlie sleeping unless I woke him for a feed and plenty of time for me to rest, read and relax.

I was almost sad to leave after being so well cared for but 4 days away from my boys was more than long enough and I wanted to get home to E.

All in all, my c-section was a very positive experience that was comfortable, well thought through and managed professionally. S particularly enjoyed the experience much more this time around (probably because he wasn't cut open and didn't have to see anything) and had none of the anxiety that came during E's birth and lingered over the following weeks. I couldn't say if I preferred one over the other as they are very different experiences and my recovery has been no better or worse given the stitches etc from round one but the planner/organiser/researcher definitely found it comfortable to know the when, where, what this time.

baby two

Second time around post partum must haves

15:21

These are a few of the things that have made my life a little easier the second time around so far and with having two under two on the go. Probably not necessities in a lot of people's books, they have certainly been useful in my recovery, getting out and about and in looking after the boys...

Uniden twin digital video monitor - two cameras, but only one screen that can split or scroll and I especially love how portable the cameras are (they can be charged up and clipped anywhere or permanently plugged in and fixed).

Swisse prenatal vitamins - between breast feeding a newborn, chasing a toddler and just generally getting around, I definitely notice the difference in my day if I don't take my morning vitamin. I have found Swisse to be the easiest to digest.

A good water bottle - I use my Tupperware Quencher and try to drink at least 3-4 bottles during the day to stay hydrated. This bottle is perfect for on the go and when I remember, I fill the base with snacks like nuts (or shapes or chocolate) so I have something to munch on when I'm chained to the couch with a sleeping/feeding babe.

The Cinch tummy support band. I swore by this last time and can sing it's praises even more the second time around for a c-section. No matter your birth, this provides lower back and tummy support (essential given your core muscles barely exist post partum), it helps guide all your muscles etc back into place and flattens the tummy ultra fast - I'm already back in pre preg clothes and I've only been using this for 2 weeks.

Benefibre or other good supplement is necessary and while I was smart and took it from 38 weeks pregnant last time, it slipped my mind this time. A shame as it was more necessary this time because of the surgery and strong pain killers I was prescribed following.

High waisted knickers - every mother I know who has had a c section swore by these and while not the most attractive, they really are best for comfort and practicality given the wound/stitches placement. Target and Kmart both do them cheaply (less than $10 for 5 pairs) and at that price, you can toss them after wear. Kmart are my faves over the Target ones.

Bugaboo Donkey, Maxi Cosi capsule and capsule adapters have all been a heaven sent luxury. C is a very relaxed sleepy bub so being able to let him snooze on the go without disruption is wonderful for all of us. Being able to transfer the capsule to pram chassis from car is also a great safety feature when wrestling E in a carpark. It means I can quickly and safely clip C in then restrain E without fuss instead of worrying about him stepping away from me while tending to C and vice versa.

I'm also getting use out of plenty of the paraphernalia we stockpiled with E including the Halo sleep sack swaddles (make wrapping and night time a breeze), the freestanding swing (takes up a lot of room but handy to pop C down when I'm trying to get E down for a nap or prep dinner), the Tasman Eco bassinet (hooray it's actually getting used this time!) and my Godsend, the Fisher Price rock n play (saved my sanity with E and is great to pop C in after a feed during the day or for daytime naps in the lounge room).

There's plenty of other bits and bobs I'm loving so no doubt you can expect a future post in the same vein. I'm also trying to get around to writing out Charlie's birth story and how different it was from Ethan's in terms of induced drug free and a c-section but I keep getting distracted by toddler playtime, newborn cuddles and milkshake dates with my boys.

In other news, E continues to be an absolutely delightful, adoring and gentle big brother - we haven't had to tell him 'no' or similar for his playing with Charlie and I just adore watching him stroke 'bubby's' hair or hold his hand while he sings or talks to him. Here are some pics we had done of the boys by a very talented friend earlier in the week (Michele of Love Photography for Gold Coasters).

2 under 2

Life with 2 under 2

13:22

Thank you so much for your messages, congratulations and well wishes on our little guy!! Life one week on from the arrival of C and we seem to have settled into a comfortable routine of sorts.

C is a great sleeper and we've figured out that if I wake him and feed him at 6:30am, I can pop him straight back in bed which allows me to get up and spend some time with E, prepare his breakfast and get us organised for the day before waking C between 9 and 10am depending on what we have on for the morning.

So far, Tuesday we stayed home, adjusting to our new life as a family of 4 and to make life really easy, I Ordered our groceries online having done a meal plan and saved a trolley of everything ready to go the week before. Wednesday we ventured out with S taking E to Rhyme Time then picking up Charlie and I after so we could all go out for morning tea complete with Peppa Pig ride for E.

Thursday was a big day with Charlie's first major outing - we all went to The Wiggles concert with my mum and nieces. I just popped C in the sling and he slept through the entire show waking at the end for a quick feed that I managed in the sling. E was in heaven and had the bestest Wiggly time bopping away, especially when Dorothy made her entrance. S and I were quite impressed with the show as they were very personable and quite a bit of fun.

Friday is Es kindy day so S dropped him off at usual time and we had a relaxed day enjoying some one on one time with C, had some visitors call in for newborn cuddles and headed to the shops to complete some errands without the toddler to wrangle.

Today has been a lovely start to the weekend with what turned out to be perfect weather. We made the most of it and took the boys to meet my sister and niece at the park. We enjoyed a coffee and baby cinos while the munchkins ran themselves ragged playing on the equipment. Being out and about, we also stopped by Pacific Fair where we decided to divide and conquer with me taking the peaceful sleeping C to buy a few things and S taking E to the toy shop. I picked C up some tops from Target to match E for winter - yes, I am THAT mother - and also bought a new release Potato Head set for E for his birthday next month (if you follow our monthly updates you know E us obsessed with potatoes).